The Red Claws have been useful for Danny Ainge and Boston, particularly as an outlet for developing young guys who otherwise wouldn't be getting minutes. Stints in Maine proved useful for Avery Bradley as he developed in his early years. Kris Joseph and MarShon Brooks also logged time with the Red Claws, as did last year's rookie out of Kentucky James Young.

Young put on a show with the Red Claws in a few games. His flashes of potential in Maine constitute cause for some excitement, but then again Fab Melo was a monster in the D-League and that didn't exactly pan out for Boston. . .

Likely related to assignments like Young, the Red Claws also own the title of most watched D-League team. Hopefully the affiliation continues to be a nice tool for the Celtics as they evaluate young potential over the next few years.